NBC is reporting that #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is being flown by helicopter to a local hospital [in Dover], he is conscious and talking. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was airlifted to a local hospital on Sunday after being knocked unconscious in an accident at Dover International Speedway. He was alert and talking upon exit from the track, but NASCAR officials chose to transport him by air rather than ground due to traffic concerns. He was later treated and released from Bay Health Medical Center.( NASCAR.com ) UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Budweiser No. 8 team led 48 laps before a late-race crash left Dale Jr. with minor injuries. Earnhardt Jr. was transported to Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Del. for observation following the race, and was released at approximately 7:00pm/et. He will fly home immediately this evening to Mooresville, NC. His injuries were listed as a minor concussion and a bruised right foot. Dale Jr. will be re-examined tomorrow by Dr. Jerry Petty. Any further updates will be released Monday.(Budweiser PR)(9-21-2003) UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was observed at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Del. and released by doctors on Sunday night with a mild concussion and a bruised right foot. He returned to his North Carolina home later that evening where he is now resting. Dale Jr. was dealing with a loose-handling car during the latter part of MBNA American 400 at Dover International Speedway when the back end of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet broke loose. The car spun around making contact with the outside wall flush on the drivers side before coming to rest on the tracks apron. Upon arriving on the scene, track emergency personnel took the precaution of assisting Dale Jr. from the car and transported him to the tracks Infield Media Center. Medical personnel then decided to transport the 28-year-old driver to the local hospital for further tests. Dale Jr. was alert and talking with doctors prior to his departure via helicopter to the hospital. Air transport was utilized because the race had just ended and traffic was heavy outside the track. Dale Jr. walked to the helicopter and strapped himself in before takeoff.( DEI Site ) AND from the front of the Dale Jr. site: Dale is expected to race this weeked in Talladega. UPDATE 3: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was examined today (Monday) by Dr. Jerry Petty as follow-up to his crash yesterday at Dover. Dale Jr. suffered a minor concussion and a right foot sprain in the crash. NASCAR must approve his return to competition, and as of 5:30 pm ET today, that process was underway. When approval is given, we will follow-up with more details and a full update on the extent of his injuries. Despite initial reports and rumors to the contrary, Dale Jr. was unconscious for only a brief time after yesterdayâs crash, and was awake and alert while being removed from the race car.(Budweiser PR/fingerprint inc.)(9-22-2003) UPDATE 4: As of Tuesday morning, Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. had yet to be cleared by NASCAR for competition this weekend following a follow-up doctor visit in the Charlotte area on Monday. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday morning the sanctioning body had not cleared Earnhardt Jr. for competition and was waiting further information from the driver’s doctor visit. He is using crutches and has been told by doctors to stay off his feet, according to team officials. He had to cancel a planned appearance at a news conference Tuesday afternoon at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials still believe Earnhardt Jr. will be able to compete in Sunday’s EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, where the driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet has won the past four Cup races.(ThatsRacin.com) UPDATE 5: NASCAR has yet to clear Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. for competition this weekend after he suffered a minor concussion and sprained right foot in an accident in last Sunday’s race at Dover. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday the sanctioning body would not likely decide whether to allow Earnhardt Jr. to race until sometime Wednesday. Hunter said NASCAR was evaluating the results from Earnhardt Jr.’s follow-up doctor visits Monday in Charlotte, N.C.( ThatsRacin.com )(9-23-2003)
